Chapter 1414: Chapter 1414: The Lin Family’s Regret

The Dong Family’s business was flourishing, and Mr. Dong frequently traveled north and south for trade, spending most of his time on the road. Therefore, he married late and had children late. This year, at the age of twenty-eight, he finally had a daughter whom he cherished deeply, fearing that his wife, whom he would remarry, might not be virtuous and could harm his daughter.

Upon hearing about Shang Xiuyu’s situation, he developed a fondness for her and said to the Dong Family head, "This woman from the Shang Family has shown compassion even after enduring abuse from Ms. Lin Su. It can be seen that she is kind-hearted. Marrying her would be beneficial for Xiao Fu."

"Furthermore, she is a strong-willed person with a clear mind. Even when frightened by the Lin Family, she dared to stand out at crucial moments and speak of wanting a divorce."

"Such a woman is rare and would be a wise choice for marriage."

The Dong Family head relayed his third brother’s words verbatim to the Village Chief Shang, adding, "My third brother has said that he is nearly thirty years old, having passed the age of impulsive desires for beauty, only seeking a kind and virtuous wife. There is no need to worry about marrying quickly and causing gossip; he is willing to wait two years before marrying, hoping the Shang Family will not reject this marriage proposal."

The Village Chief Shang listened and hesitated.

It was apparent that Mr. Dong was sincere and did not disdain Sister Yu, but, "Mr. Dong is already twenty-eight and has only one daughter; if he waits two more years before marrying, wouldn’t he be delaying his lineage?"

The Dong Family head laughed and said, "Village Chief Shang, don’t worry about that. My third brother says that his lineage is naturally difficult, so he won’t force it. Besides, many people don’t have children until they are thirty, so there’s no need to be anxious."

These were Mr. Dong’s exact words. He truly didn’t mind, as there were plenty of nephews in the family, ensuring the Dong Family wouldn’t die out.

Nevertheless, as the elder brother, the Dong Family head asked Doctor Wu, unwilling to see his brother have no descendants.

Doctor Wu stated that although Shang Xiuyu had lost two pregnancies, she herself was naturally inclined to conceive easily. As long as she recuperated for two years, having children again wouldn’t be difficult.

It was only then that the Dong Family head agreed to propose for marriage.

Scholar Shang advised, "Uncle, the Dong Family is so sincere, having considered everything. If you are undecided, you might want to think it over before responding to the Dong Family."

Do not reject hastily.

Gu Jin’an also said, "Indeed, grandpa village chief, our family has done business with the Dong Family for several years. The family style of the Dong Family is good, making them a suitable lifelong partner."

The Village Chief Shang was tempted and nodded, saying, "Alright, I will discuss it with my family and reply to the Dong Family after some time."

"Thank you, Village Chief Shang. The Dong Family awaits good news patiently." The Dong Family head did not linger longer, and after leaving gifts, he took his leave.

Once they left, the Village Chief Shang informed his family about the matter.

Shang Laoer and Ms. Zhang were extremely excited and shouted, "Dad, such a good match, our family must agree!"

The Village Chief Shang saw how eager they were to send Sister Yu off to the Dong Family, and angrily scolded them: "Agree to what? Haven’t you two learned your lesson yet? Calm down, or you’ll be sent back to the countryside for good, never to return to Linhe Prefecture!"

Shang Laoer and Ms. Zhang were frightened and quickly sat down.

Ms. Zhang wiped her tears and said, "Father-in-law, your daughter-in-law knows it’s wrong. This time, the intention isn’t to have Sister Yu marry into a high-class family but rather to appreciate how truly good the Dong Family is. I don’t want Sister Yu to miss out."

"Hmph!" The Village Chief Shang coldly snorted, ignoring her, and then sought the opinions of Shang Laoda and his wife.

Shang Laoda and his wife contemplated for a moment, nodded, and said, "Dad, the Dong Family is sincere, and this marriage indeed seems right, but we should ask Sister Yu’s opinion first... After being frightened by the Lin Family, she probably won’t be willing to remarry. We should ask her opinion first, and only proceed if she agrees. If not, we shouldn’t force her; we can simply care for her for a lifetime."

After Sister Yu’s story spread, everyone felt sympathy and compassion for her and praised her for her kind-heartedness and forgiveness, enhancing the Shang Family’s reputation. Shang Laoda believed that they should treat Sister Yu well, no matter the circumstances.

"Ah, what Laoda said is right." The Village Chief Shang nodded, expressing satisfaction with his eldest son, and addressed Shang Laoda’s wife: "Laoda’s Wife, go and discuss the Dong Family’s proposal with Sister Yu and find out her thoughts."

"Yes, Father-in-law." Shang Laoda’s wife visited Shang Xiuyu to discuss Mr. Dong’s marriage proposal.

Originally, it was assumed that Shang Xiuyu would be unwilling to remarry, but surprisingly, she agreed after pondering for two days.

Shang Xiuyu said, "I want to have a child, and since the Dong Family is good, I shouldn’t miss this opportunity... Plus, marrying is beneficial for the family."

Otherwise, after a long time, families from ten miles and eight villages might mock the Shang Family for having a divorced woman.

Since she was born in the Shang Family and ate their food, she should be mindful of the family’s interests.

Shang Laoda’s wife was both shocked and delighted upon hearing this, embracing Shang Xiuyu tearfully: "You are a good child and will indeed enjoy happiness in the future."

Thus, the marriage between the Dong and Shang Families was settled. The two families exchanged tokens, planning to get engaged after the new year and wed in two years.

After the news spread, everyone rejoiced for Shang Xiuyu, but Lin Guangtong almost burst with anger.

"Wretch, wretch, I had already sensed you were indecent! How dare you find a new man so soon? Just wait, when I get out, I won’t spare you!" Lin Guangtong cursed, with his heart filled with jealousy and hatred, shocked that Shang Xiuyu had indeed climbed the social ladder.

That was the Jinling Dong Family, a Great Merchant Family with mountains of Silver.

He had also heard of Mr. Dong, who was reputable; his father couldn’t even get a meeting with such a person.

Bang bang bang!

The prison chief of Linhe Prefecture’s government office banged his stick on the cell door, shouting, "Lin, what are you yelling for? Shut up! Keep roaring, and I’ll drag you out for another round of beatings!"

Lin Guangtong, along with his mother, was sent back to Linhe Prefecture, but their family hadn’t paid the sin redemption silver yet, so they were locked up, awaiting payment for their release.

Yet, Elder Lin seemed oblivious to this and wouldn’t redeem them with Silver.

Lin Guangtong was one who bullied the weak and feared the strong. When reprimanded by the prison chief, he immediately quieted down.

The prison chief found him disgusting and spat at him: "Pah! A coward who only bullies women."

Mockingly, he added, "You still dare to disdain Shang Xiuyu? Now, after leaving your Lin Family, her fortune has soared, climbing to a wealthy family and becoming the Third Madam. Look at yourself, still the same mess, a complete waste!"

Lin Guangtong was mocked till his face turned red with shame, resenting Ms. Lin Su, believing if not for her excesses, Shang Xiuyu wouldn’t have divorced him.

Shang Xiuyu, indeed, was pretty. He married her because of her beauty; now she was handed over to another man.

Thinking about Shang Xiuyu being with another man, calling him husband, and the man being more capable than him, Lin Guangtong regretted not seizing Shang Xiuyu’s good side, yearning to get out and reclaim her.

Unfortunately, he was dreaming!

And Elder Lin regretted even more.

Who could have imagined the Shang Family would have such a beneficial marriage? The connections with noble people that the Gu Family had were too many!

Had the Lin Family treated Shang Xiuyu well and kept her, they could now rely on Shang Family to connect with Young Master Dou, Boss An, Dong Family, and even Ouyang Family!

Upon realizing how many connections his family lost at once, Elder Lin regretted so deeply it turned his guts blue, angrily cursing Ms. Lin Su and her sons: "These wretched dogs really ruined the Lin Family. I’ll never forgive them!"

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